Cracked Pots

There is a study out that shows people search for one of three things in their life - significance, security or acceptance. Usually it's a result of that having been lacking in their early years or as a result of some trauma. There can be some overlap in these areas.

For myself, I can very clearly see that the thing I struggle with the most is the acceptance piece of that. When I am feeling triggered and unsettled it usually has to do with not feeling accepted or like I don't belong. Usually, I'm pretty strong and confident, but when I'm feeling weak or tired, those emotions can come flooding back through the simplest thing. I can trace it back very clearly to the experiences I had in my childhood and formative years. 

It frustrates me to no end when I'm having these emotional responses to things in my life because in my head I know why I'm having them, but it certainly doesn't stop the emotions from flooding every part of me.

But I can also see very clearly how God has used those broken pieces of my life to keep me coming back to Him for my acceptance and worth. He has also used them to give me a heightened sensitivity for the ways others may be feeling that same way. I very much want to include others, especially those others don't always want to accept and who may feel isolated and alone.

The Lord has taken all the cracks and broken shards and is shining His light through them. And the reason He does that is so we may know that He is at work in our lives. It's not anything we do in our own strength, but it's through His amazing work in our lives.

The cracks hurt at times. I often wish I didn't struggle with certain responses, but when I stay cemented in the Lord and what He says about me, I can shine His light despite the flaws and cracks. 

And that gives me hope today.

2 Corinthians 4:7 ~

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.